BUREAUCRACY COMES UNDER ATTACK;

Madikeri August 1, 2006

The Karnataka Development review meeting chaired by the district incharge minister Ramachandra Gowda witnessed pandemonious scenes. The three MLAs’ spat fire against bureaucracy and alleged that they have shifted Tribes from Madenur forest against the decision of the Zilla Panchayath.

They alleged that the forest officials forcibly shifted the Tribes living at Madenur forest range to another district. A resolution in this regard was passed in the previous ZP meet not to shift them. Instructions were given to the officials to take note of it. But the officials forced the tribes out immediately after the resolution.

MLAs’ B.A.Jivijaya, K.G.Bopaiah, H.D.Basavaraju demanded suspension of the forest officials responsible for ignoring the decision of the elected representatives. They were not satisfied with the answer by the minister that an explanation would be sought. The minister immediately ordered an inquiry and suggested the Chief Executive Officer Sundar Naik to investigate the matter. Yet the MLAs’ alleged that the officials are acting with the money power of fake environmentalists who are getting funds from abroad. They cautioned that if the government fails to initiate stringent action against the officials, people may have to take law into their own hands.

MLA Bopaiah alleged that the officials are cutting the crops of farmers with the pretext that the land belongs to forest department and said that the hands of such officials will have to be chopped off. MLA Basavaraju shouted that he will drag the officials to show where all vacant sites are available. He said this as the officials are shifting tribes to outside the district stating that there are no sites available. Meanwhile, MLA B.A.Jivijaya went emotional and sobbingly stated that the tribals are living a very hard life.

The minister announced that a high level meeting is organized at Bangalore on this 7th exclusively to discuss the problems faced by Tribes. Representatives of Tribes will also take part in the meeting along with concerned ministers, elected representatives and officials. He said that a final decision woukld be taken about the shifting of tribals and their development in the meeting.

ZP president Ashok , DC Subodh Yadav, SP Ramachandra rao and others were present.

KDP meeting scene

DASAR TO BE MORE COLOURFUL;

The Dasara committee has decided to celebrate Madikeri Dasara, second only to Mysore in a more colourful manner.

A meeting held here in the presence of the district in charge minister Ramachandra Gowda yesterday decided to do it in a meaningful manner. The meeting presided over by the committee chairmen, DC Subodh Yadav decided to request the government to release at least rupees fifty lakh for the celebration.

Madikeri Dasara attracts thousands of tourists each year with ten decorated Mantaps going in a procession with different deities. People dare cold and rai to witness the grand show throughout the night.

MLA K.G.Bopaiah and others were present.The minister stated that people should not waste money just for fun and they should also do introspection during such festivals. He assured that he will try to get maximum amount for the festival.